I Walked Where Jesus Walked: A Pilgrimage to Jerusalem

At the Wedding Church in Cana, Galilee where Jesus' turned water into wine.
Photo from Ms. Bamba's Facebook profile

Every Christian who has read the story of God dreams of going to Jerusalem and step where Jesus performed miracles, where He taught the Word, walk where the people of God walked.

As for Ms. Kathrina Karen Bamba or Ate Khey, she was blessed enough to experience a journey to the Holy Land in all of its glory. This 29-year-old OFW was given the ultimate opportunity to explore and encounter the Chosen Land.

Started as a prayer, now a reality

Since Ate Khey grew up in a Christian family and was actively participating in the church’s children ministry, she dreamed of going to Jerusalem ever since she was a little kid.

“Mula pagkabata. Since lumaki ako sa Sunday School, DVBS at sa church, ginusto ko na makita ko ang Holy Land someday.” She said.

Now that she has a job and is able to book tickets and fly to Jerusalem, the first thing that she did, the second she stepped on Jerusalem, was whisper a prayer.

“I whispered a prayer. Nagpasalamat ako sa Diyos at tinupad Nya ang pangarap ko. Di ako makapaniwala na nandoon na ako. Nakakaiyak at ang saya.” She answered.

Church of the Nativity
Photos from Ms. Bamba's Facebook profile

Preparation for a spiritual journey

A pilgrimage to the holy land is not like your average vacation where you lay out your itinerary. You have to prepare yourself, not just physically but also spiritually.

Prior to her seven days stay, she mentally prepared herself by researching about the places she’ll go to. On the other hand, she re-read the Bible to prepare herself spiritually.

“Binasa ko ulit ‘yong Bible. ‘Yong mga lugar na pupuntahan namin hinanap ko ‘yong bible verse.” Ate Khey replied.

But of course, everything started as a prayer. She said that whoever wants to go shall ask from the Lord.

“Pray for it. Si Lord ang tutupad ng pangako ‘Nya sayo. ‘Di ko din akalain na mangyayari na ‘sya soon, pero tinupad ‘Nya.” She said.

Room of the Last Supper.
Photo from Ms. Bamba's Facebook profile.

Garden of Gethsemane
Photo from Ms. Bamba's Facebook profile.

The highlight of the trip

”Overjoyed, nakaka-goosebumps, nakakaiyak, basta mixed emotions.”

Those were the words that Ate Khey told me once I asked her how did it feel to walk where Jesus walked is. As a Sunday school kid who just saw pictures of Jerusalem on books and cards, she was exhilarated when she finally got the chance to see them in person.

Going to Jerusalem can be a bit overwhelming because there are just too many places that you want to be connected with.

One place stuck with Ate Khey during her entire trip and that is the Sea of Galilee. She mentioned that every place they go to, there is always a mob or a queue but she found silence and peace at the sea. They even rode a boat just like what Jesus did with His disciples. The Sea of Galilee is where Jesus walked on water with Peter. It is also where Jesus calmed the sea.

Ate Khey said it was her favorite because they worshipped God in that place.

”Sumayaw kami at umawit sa Diyos. My heart was filled with joy. ‘Yong feeling na nasa gitna kayo ng dagat sumasamba at nagpupuri sa Diyos.” She stated.

She also said that everyone in the boat had their hands up and giving their best praises to God. Ate Khey was emotional after her visit.

Watch her short video here.

What it’s really about

After all the excitement and the adrenaline rush, we shouldn’t forget why people do these pilgrimages and that is to get closer to God and to strengthen our life spiritually.

In Jerusalem, there is this wall called The Western Wall. It is the remnant of an outer wall of Temple Mount which the Jews considered the holiest spot in Jewish life. People come from all over the world to write down their prayers and inserting them unto the cracks of the wall. For Ate Khey, she listed down her prayer requests to God. Specifically for her love life, family, friends and herself.

Being on this trip didn’t just satisfy her desire to see Jerusalem but it also reminded her how God lived His life here on earth.

“Kung paano ‘Sya nag-serve sa people, nagpatawad ng nagkasala Sa Kanya, at binigay ‘Nya ang buhay ‘Nya para sa ating mga makasalanan. Lalo ako na-inspire to serve Him. I want to know Him more.” She expressed.

Even though seven days wasn’t enough to explore the whole city of Jerusalem, Ate Khey went home blessed and has a faith that has been refreshed with new spiritual experience.

It’s a fact that not everyone who wants to go to Jerusalem gets the opportunity but you really don’t have to go to the Holy Land to encounter God. He is omnipresent and just one prayer away. But if you really want to go, it’s time to save up and get ready for an unforgettable spiritual experience with overpowering emotions, excitement and adventure.